Report: Jadeveon Clowney could be reuniting with one of his former NFL teams in 2026

The 2026 NFL football season is not too far away, as teams across the country have started their respective training camps. There are a number of former Gamecocks playing in the league this season, such as defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw, cornerback Jaycee Horn and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. 

Clowney, who is a former No. 1 overall pick from the Houston Texans in 2014, is entering his 13th NFL season. He is coming off of a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys this past season. As the NFL season inches closer, Clowney is on the hunt to join a new team. And according to NFL Network's Mike Garofolo, the star EDGE rusher could be reuniting with one of his former teams. On Wednesday, Garafolo reported that Clowney is taking a visit with the Browns this week. He was previously with Cleveland during the 2021 and 2022 seasons: 

Clowney had two successful seasons in Cleveland, combining for 65 total tackles with 11 sacks, nine of those coming in 2021. The Browns' defense that season finished fifth in the league, giving up just 311.5 yards per game. The Browns finished 15-19 over those two seasons, but Clowney's nine sacks in 2021 were just .5 sacks away from his career high 9.5 he registered in 2017 with the Houston Texans and with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. 

Prior to his lone season with the Cowboys, Clowney spent the 2024-25 season with the Carolina Panthers, during which he finished with 46 total tackles with 5.5 sacks.  

Clowney spent the longest stint of his career with the Texans, who drafted him in 2014. He made three consecutive Pro Bowls with Houston from 2016-18, as well as being named a Second-Team All-Pro in 2016. His best season came in 2017 in Houston, as he finished with 57 total tackles including 9.5 sacks with 21 quarterback hits. 

He spent 2019 with the Seattle Seahawks before a one-year stint with the Tennessee Titans. A three-year starter for South Carolina, Clowney played for Steve Spurrier from 2011-2013. From 2011-2013, he accounted for 129 total tackles, 24 sacks and nine forced fumbles. His best season came in 2012, when he finished with a career-high 13 sacks, two passes defended and three forced fumbles. 

He was a two-time First-team All-American and All-SEC player in 2012 and 2013. His most unforgettable moment as a Gamecock, of course, came during his monster hit on Michigan running back Vincent Smith during the 2013 Outback Bowl:

Clowney, who is 33 years old, will be one of the league's older EDGE rushers this season. If he does end up signing with the Browns, he will join a Cleveland defense that will be looking to fill the massive void of Myles Garrett, who is now with the Los Angeles Rams. Cleveland will also be led by first-year head coach Todd Monken in 2026. 

Wherever he ends up, Clowney's new team will get a veteran pass-rusher eager to prove he still has what it takes to play at at a high level.

ALSO READ: South Carolina defense to rely on true freshmen in key position group

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